Banned former Newcastle and NSW Origin halfback Jarrod Mullen has been offered a future job by ASADA to share his powerful story and speak about the dire consequences of doping.
Mullen has struggled to adapt since he was suspended from competition for four years in 2017 over his use of the steroid drostanolone, which he claims he took to overcome a chronic hamstring injury.
Mullen almost died in December when he suffered an overdose at his parents' home, as first reported by The Daily Telegraph.
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Now, the media outlet has revealed ASADA chief executive David Sharpe wants Mullen to use his tragic tale as a doping deterrent for upcoming athletes.
“... If you look at what happened in Jarrod’s case, there’s a guy who lost everything, in my view due to a poor decision originally," Sharpe said.
“And you then look at where that has spiralled to since. That is a story we need to get out to kids."
Mullen, who now resides in Wollongong, is still piecing his life together following the overdose and Sharpe says he needs to be in the right headspace before working with ASADA.
“... We’ve got to be confident that Jarrod is ready to send the message.
“I believe we’ll get there.’’
Earlier this week, Knights CEO Phil Gardiner said Mullen's current situation "brings a tear to my eye".
While Mullen is not allowed direct contact with the Newcastle club throughout his suspension, Gardiner promised to do everything possible to assist Mullen and his family as he recovers.
"We must understand that he's been barred of contact with the game for the next four years," he said.
"I can assure you in rugby league we do the absolute best we can to rehabilitate and look after people.
"We're going to do our best. We're also going to use it as an example of what not to do for our players so they understand."
